ArcaneBet is a Curacao licensed bookmaker which is first and foremost esports focused.

It does offer some other more traditional markets too, and in the About Us section it notes: “Our goal is to create an experience for all where we can provide safe, fun and simple betting opportunities for them on all of their favourite esports matches as well as giving them the opportunity to bet on soccer, basketball, tennis, ice hockey and other popular traditional sports.”

The bookmaker is a part of the London based company Galaxy 88 Ltd, the group which has the Curacao licence and is also the one behind Vitalbet, X-Bet, Buff88, BetJoe and MasterMazuma.

ArcaneBet has been a member of the Esports Integrity Coalition (ESIC), a non profit which has a growing membership of esports stakeholders such as league and tournament organisers, bookmakers, gambling regulators and more. Other members include the likes of ESL, DreamHack, Betway, the UKGC and plenty more. This group is aimed at, surprise surprise, ensuring integrity in esports which includes fair play, adherence to a set of agreed upon rules and regulations and a zero tolerance stance when it comes to foul play and cheating.

Whilst it hasn’t been too active in the way of sponsorships, ArcaneBet did move to title sponsor the second second of the Balkan Pro League, for which it partnered with GameAgents. This was a CS:GO competition which took place in April 2017.

Customers at the bookmaker can choose to bet on one or more of the following games: League of Legends, Dota 2, CS:GO, Overwatch, Rocket League, StarCraft 2, Clash Royale, CrossFire, Call of Duty, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, Overwatch FIFA and World of Tanks.

The bookie also offers some markets in football (soccer), tennis, basketball and ice hockey. It also maintains a casino offering.

Live Betting

ArcaneBet is esports betting focused meaning it is, naturally, live betting focused too. The live section is good at times, there is even some live streaming (which it notes is supplied by a third party), but when nothing is on, it literally offers a line of text stating just this. With this in mind it needs to do more to better engage customers when on the platform.

Analysis

Payment methods include Bitcoin as well as a range of other more standardised ones including Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, inpay, Paysafecard, and more.

Catering to a global audience of esports and betting fans ArcaneBet is available in five languages; English, Russian, Germany, Chinese and Spanish.

ArcaneBet has a Discord channel (which is one sign it knows its core audience of gamers) and there are rewards for members of this group. Speaking of rewards, it offers an introductory offer for new customers which is a match of up to $100 (or Euros) but this is of course subject to the usual turnover. ArcaneBet accepts Skins deposits too, once again showing who it is catering to.

The Curacao licensed bookmaker has a support system consisting of an online chat platform (which reverts to the email offering when not online), and a helpline. The mobile version of the site is okay, and generally the layout is simple and easy to navigate through. There is a help desk for FAQs, and even esports betting guides linked (though they’re hidden away at the bottom of the site). ArcaneBet is a member of GamCare. Another notable offering is the Partial Cashout feature.

Conclusion

When it comes to catering to esports punters there are few who are doing it well right now. ArcaneBet is one of them, and whilst it may lack certain features, you’d be hard pressed to try and prove that it doesn’t know its core audience.

Advantages:

– Specializes in eSports betting;

– Massive range of bets for CSGO, LoL, Dota 2 and Overwatch;

– Markets for lesser seen games like Halo and Clash Royale;

– Good odds for Call of Duty, Hearthstone and Starcraft II;

– Awesome Live betting service including streaming;

– Accumulator & system bet options;

– Outstanding welcome offer;

– Nice gamer design & easy navigation;

– Many payment methods;

– Possible to deposit with skins;

– Instant deposits and quick withdrawals;

– Full and partial cash out option.

Disadvantages:

– Small offering on conventional sports;

– Can’t use welcome offer with bitcoins;

– Would like to see higher limits;

– Real money betting not available in USA, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland;